Poll:

How important do you think it is to have a strong library system in our county?

Very important

Important

Not important

Could care less

Comments

2 comments

DustinKetchem:
August 9, 2012
11:03 a.m.

The library system, like the post office on the federal level, need to step back, look at the big picture, think outside the box, and re-organize.

PC's, Macs, kindle, nook, and smart phones make information easy to come by. People go to the library to do research, and use some of the services that are provided.

The size of the staff and buildings are too BIG. Small store front libraries with locations in commercial retail areas would draw more traffic, and make for easier access.

Sale, find new use for, or lease the existing libraries. Doing things the old way just because that always how its been done is backwards and ignorant. Its time to adapt.

rstlne:
August 15, 2012
10:55 a.m.

Wow, DustinKetchem, what is your deal with libraries? Did a librarian stand you up on prom night or something?

You're right about SOME of your statement...yes, information is easy to come by, IF you happen to own a PC, Mac, kindle, nook, or smart phone. Many patrons (myself included) do not. (Ok, I do actually own a laptop, but cannot afford the internet, so it doesn't do me much good at home.) I would really love to see the amount of visitors that the Covington Branch gets daily all shoved into a little store front building. That would be very interesting...though not very efficient. Did you know that the Covington Branch circulation desk is already down to only two full-time employees, and that they, with the help of the handful of part-time workers that are left, are STILL unable to keep up with the mass volume of materials, plus patrons, that they are responsible for daily? Have you ever actually BEEN to the library?

I commend you for your willingness to "think outside the box"...perhaps you'd like to do a little bit more research, however, on exactly what the box looks like before you jump to all of your big conclusions.

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